The Best Southern Albums of 2020

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The Best Southern Albums of 2020

Swamp Dogg
Sorry You Couldn’t Make It

It’s been more than fifty years since Jerry Williams, Jr.—better known as Swamp Dogg—began building his name as an R&B musician, and he would go on to pen songs for other artists, including the ‘71 Johnny Paycheck country hit “(Don’t Take Her) She’s All I Got.” His 2020 album, Sorry You Couldn’t Make It, draws primarily on the Virginia native’s country background—with plenty of soul mixed in for good measure. Recorded in Nashville, the album features guest appearances from Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, former Rilo Kiley frontwoman Jenny Lewis, and John Prine, who passed away in April, on the duet “Memories.” The song’s easy pace and clever, wistful lyrics are a bittersweet reminder to appreciate the time we have with those we love.—D.O.S.